In this latest installment of my new found SHOT Show 2013 game, I sidled into the Coast Products booth and schmoozed knife great Ron Lake. I sort of interrupted his sandwich, but he was patient with me and very friendly. I sprung the question on him. He obliged by unclipping his Coast Rapid Response Knife from the right pocket. Mr. Lake designed this knife and it has some unique workings.

The RRK opens with Mr. Lake’s Smooth Assist Technology. The 3.9″ blade unfolds with a small bearing rolling along a spring to kick the blade open. It is definitely smooth. The liner lock, perfected by Lake’s former knife making partner Michael Walker, catches the 5Cr15MoV blade. Coast’s Max-Lock™ backs up the liner lock by using a sliding detent to manually keep the blade either open or closed.

I sincerely thanked him for the design, as I have a satin-finished 3.9″ RRK model and a black oxide coated 3″ RRK model. I think both are terrific knives. I also thanked him for his hospitality.